Portsmouth High School opened in 1882 with 32 pupils, the result of a great demand for a Girls’ Public Day School Trust school in the town.  We moved to our present site in 1885, when the building was opened by Princess Louise. 

Many of the first girls in the area to go to university came from the school.  Over the years, our site and our buildings have grown to accommodate growing numbers and extensive facilities.  Dovercourt, the junior school, with its wonderful garden, was bought in 1927. 

During the Second World War, we became a boarding school in two Hampshire country houses, as the Wrens occupied these buildings.  Evacuation saw the Junior School at Hinton Ampner, and the seniors at Adhurst St Mary, Petersfield.

After the war, we re-established ourselves in war-torn Southsea, and continued to grow and prosper.  From our place in the finals of the TV show ‘Top of the Form’ in the 1960s, to our triumph in topping the A Level league tables in 1991, we have always provided an academic education for girls of promise.

If you are former pupil or member of staff we would love to hear from you. You may even be able to help us compile our School History.